It’s overwhelming that for a quiet province like Antique, there is so much to offer. Lying in Western Visayas, this quaint and humble place is slowly making headlines now. Millions of tourists travelling to Boracay Island bypass it, rerouting into a shorter route. But if you have an ample time for an extended stay and for worthy exploration purposes, then Antique is waiting to be relished.

I actually made an itinerary which lasts for three days because there are just too many places which I’m dying to visit. Sadly, I was only able to go the nearest ones and hopefully, I can go back to this place to explore the rest.

Going to Antique was the most unplanned trip ever as I was originally going to dive at Apo Island with friends. The morning I woke up, my parents asked me where I wanted to go so the first thing that went to my mind was this. As numerous plans were already postponed going here, I thought that this was the best time.

Travelling from Bacolod, we took a RORO going to Iloilo. Travel time is 2 hours excluding the waiting time. From the Iloilo Port to Anini-y, Antique, taking the southern route, lasts you to about 3-4 hours depending on your car speed.

Points of Interest:

Sira-an Hot Springs

While scanning on Google, I came across a folklore about this place. There was once a forbidden love affair involving the daughter of the Malayan chieftain named Anini and Nogas who was a former slave and a farmer’s son. Since they belong in different statuses, their love story ended badly when Nogas was killed and his body was casted into the open sea. An island formed which is presently named after him. Devastated by the death of her lover, Anini died and left her remains by the rocky shore facing the island. On her burial site there appeared a mini hot spring representing her tears and a sleeping volcano making her heart still beating for her true love.

There lies now the refreshing hot springs in the southernmost town of Anini-y making it a public go to place of the locals and now the tourists. This irresistible view is made of sulfuric pools which are believed to heal diseases and skin disorders, making it a health resort.

Heading your way from the entrance lies a small mound that is said to be a dormant volcano and placed at the top is the grotto of Mama Mary. There presents a cliff that sits you on the edge witnessing the panoramic view of the humbly picturesque Nogas Island.

On the left side is a big swimming pool, filled with natural sulfuric waters which are turquoise to deep moss green in color. Getting further is another small pool, not an infinity one but is placed on the edge of the cliff with a great view of the pure shores.

What catches the tourists’ attention are the perfectly placed hot spring pools in miniature sizes that only allow one to two people. With your own tub of health spa, you can stay as long as you want and lounge until sunset.

Opposite lies the natural beach that is unlike any other. The beach front is filled with medium sized stones making it similar to Dauin beaches in Negros. It has black coarse sand which sets it apart from the rest. Cottages and private rooms line up facing this gorgeous scenery.

Near the entrance is their mini bar and restaurant. Cheap seafood and videoke are available. The humble vibe reflects the availability to the public.

Nogas Island

For just 500 pesos boat ride, you can spend the day in this enchanted yet majestic island. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes from the resort to get to this place. With high expectations, the beach is not as fine as Boracay but can be likened to the beaches of Siquijor and Guimaras. The sand is coarse with tiny pebbles but perfectly pearly white. Its water is crystal clear, without a tinge of pollution and exposes naturalness. It is relatively small wherein you can finish touring in just under 15 minutes.

Nevertheless, there are small cottages made of nipa huts wherein you can have lunch and just chill. The setup actually reminds me of Dako Island in Siargao. There are no canteen or restrooms so all in all it is a virgin island.

Nogas Island Lighthouse

Making your way to the lighthouse, you are welcomed with calachuchi trees lined up in opposite sides of the path. It extends to about 150 meters which is just a perfect backdrop for picture taking. The lighthouse is closed to the public but the caretaker let us in and climb up. It is a two storey staircase and to be frank, it was very steep. The lighthouse, situated at the the center, makes a panoramic view of the small island. Non functional but well preserved.

Century Old Balete Tree

On the other side of the island, with a 3 minute walk from the lighthouse is the century old balete tree. Like any other balete tree, “lunok” the native term for it is believed to be home of enchanted people coming from other world dimension. It creates a spring water amidst the island filled with saltwater and cannot be explained where the water comes from. Going further, you get to witness numerous mangroves.

We didn’t get to stay long, and we decided to head back to the resort after exploring the beautiful Nogas Island.

Assemblage Point

If you want luxury in your stay in this quaint province, try to book into this newly opened resort in San Joaquin. The rooms are very spacious and you get the option for a seaview or a pool view. You can enjoy relaxing on their bar and restaurant overlooking the stony beach of Antique.

All in all, I can say that if you like Siquijor then you would be a fan of this place. There is just so much to do and see and I’m surely coming back for more.

How to get there:

From Aklan: from international airport, take a tricycle to Kalibo bus terminal then take a Ceres Bus or van for hire heading to Antique

From Iloilo: from international airport, take a van to Molo terminal, then another van, bus or jeepney to Antique

From Bacolod: take a RORO to Iloilo, then follow GPS
Dumangas RORO reservation: 034 493 0414

If you have ample time, stay in Nogas Island and wait for the high tide so you can see the true beauty of the islet.
Soak in the sulfuric mini pools as you watch the sunset.
Don’t forget to pass by Miag-ao Church. It is a UNESCO heritage site.
If you’re in groups, it’s better to bring a car with you so that you can tour the whole province without hassle as public transportation is limited especially if not at peak hours.

So we were on our trip to Manila for the Maroon 5 Concert and we were planning a day tour to the nearby places just to get the most out of our stay. If you’re a traveler, I suggest you would skip Manila. Because of the hustle and bustle of the traffic, your time will just be put to waste commuting the whole day. Go outside and explore what the nearby provinces have to offer. You’ll just be surprised that there are plenty of adventures lined up for your choosing. If I could recommend a place that’s exciting and an easy reach at the same time, it would be a trip to the Taal Volcano Crater.

Just 50 kilometers from the south of Manila lies the second most active volcano in the Philippines and the smallest in the entire world. Taal Volcano is indeed a geological wonder. Imagine a volcano within a lake within a volcano within an island. If that doesn’t confuse you, technically the Vulcan Point Island is within Taal Volcano Island which is within Taal Lake sitting within Luzon Island comprised within the Philippine Islands. I guess that makes sense now.

Imagine hiking to one of the most dangerous places in the country. Then if you think that’s an adrenaline rush with its profoundly perfect panoramic view, picture yourself lavishly plunging in Taal Crater Lake. Yes, you can actually freaking swim there. Well, this is definitely one for the books.

To make our trip easy, I already arranged a tour with one of the cheapest I found. It’s around 900 pesos per head which is from Bryan Gonzales Malvataan at Talisay Batangas. Depending on your point of origin and whether you commute or have a private service, Bryan gives directions for an effortless way to their boat station. He even texts you just to get an update of where you are specifically.

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

We left our hotel at seven in the morning. After a series of bus and jeepney rides, we arrived at the Taal Boat Station around 9:30 am. We were briefed on their cottage made of nipa huts; we registered ourselves and signed a waiver. Few minutes passed and we were ready for the boat ride which lasted for about 15 minutes. The waves were calm and the weather was great so we were ready for the time of our lives.

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

With five minutes of walking, we reached the registration office. However, we booked a tour so our boatman arranged everything for us. The horses were all lined up partnered with their horsemen. The number of the horses were just as many as the number of tourists visiting this tourist spot.

Going up to Taal Crater takes up about 30 minutes of horse riding and about an hour and a half of trekking. The trail to the top gets steeper while overlooking the panoramic view of the Taal Lake. You have to make sure to hold on to your horse very well or your might fall. Good thing, Saring, my horse, knows how to follow instructions from my guide and I was in good hands.

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

The top of the volcano consists of a viewing deck for a scenic view of Taal Crater and Taal Lake. A number of vendors were selling souvenirs and snacks right at the entrance. On the right side of the terrain is what they call the red lava area. There is an additional payment of 50 pesos for its entrance fee but it’s definitely worth it since you get to be closer to the crater and have a perfect backdrop. The area can be reached within a 10 minute hike. Remember to be cautious as there are no railings on the side so watch every step as the path can be steep and dangerous.

As usual, we stayed for a little while to do some picture taking. Thankfully, our tour guide knows the best shots and angles. He even choreographed some of my poses. Now satisfied with our takes, it was time to head back to the mainland. Unfortunately, it rained hard so we had to secure our raincoats which were freely given by Bryan.

DCIM127GOPRO

The tour was a little tiring. The weather was a bit crazy. Luckily, we had free coconut drinks when we returned. We changed clothes and decided to have lunch in Tagaytay. Bryan was very accommodating and he even arranged our transportation and gave us some tips on our travel.

Lying in the northernmost part of Iloilo are the most charming islands of Gigantes. With its remoteness and naturalness, one cannot fathom the decadence this place has to offer. If you’re willing to seek the ultimate adventure, a break from the overcrowded and overdeveloped tourist destinations, then this unexampled experience is for you. One thing that seduces the adventurers in exploring the island is its cheap expense. If you’re on a budget and travelling by group, then this adventure is definitely worth more than you are paying for. This haven yields abundant and cheap seafood; reasonable tour fees; instagram worthy backdrops of white sand beaches, pristine blue waters, jagged rock terrains and amazing hospitality of the people.

We had a call time of 10:00am in Daan Banwa Port, Victorias City. Upon arrival, the trip was moved to 12:00pm so that the boat can dock at the port at high tide. We decided to have lunch in the nearby carinderias since the whole trip can take up to seven long hours. If you’re looking for comfort, I suggest you take the longer route which is via RORO Dumangas in Iloilo since the trip can be a bit wet and by what I mean with wet is that water can get inside the boat so it was a bit of a hassle in summary.

After two hours, we barged in at Culasi, Ajuy in Iloilo which is just an hour bus ride to Estancia Port. We then rode a tricycle from the bus terminal to the port. Our contact from the Hideaway Inn was already waiting for us. We arrived around 5pm so we weren’t able to make it in time for the public boat which has only one trip per day. As a result, we chartered a private one to get to the island.

It was one hell of a two-hour ride from Estancia Port to Gigantes Island. The waves were getting bigger as the sun was at dusk. I was in the fore end of the boat and I got all the water splashing on my face. It was so cold and the only warmth I got was from the lifejacket. It took us forever to reach the island. It was scary as the only light to guide us the way was a small flashlight. Thankfully, we landed safely. The boat docked straight to the lone island of Gigantes Hideaway Resort. It is connected to the Gigantes Norte Island with a long sandbar. The resort was lined with camping tents with various sizes. The place expressed a laid back feel and I wished we could just stay there. It was a perfect camp site with the beach and gorgeous white sand; it was just irresistible.

We went for a 20 minute walk along the sandbar separating the two islands to get to the Gigantes Norte Island. The water was about two feet above the sandbar and we were very careful not to drop our belongings. We had a bountiful dinner which was composed mainly of seafood at the Hideaway Resort campsite. We then moved to the other resort riding the habal-habal. We arrived at the Jesa Beach Resort later than 9 in the evening and we wasted no more time and took a shower and got a good night sleep.

Jesa Beach Resort is situated fronting the beach. It was a perfect morning to wake up to when you see a perfect backdrop of gorgeous and VSCO filtered terrains. With blue curtains laced in the bungalows, it was the perfect spot to just chill on the beach. Sadly, we had to leave early due to our fun packed itinerary for the day.

Points of Interest:

Gigantes Norte Lighthouse

Welcoming you to the entrance is the keeper’s house in ruins with a door directing you straight to the lighthouse. We didn’t get to climb up to the tower deck because it is now closed for the tourists. The lighthouse stands in 12 meters high and becomes one of the main attractions of the island. Overlooking the cliff is a perfect terrain and the beach below reminds me of Capones Island in Zambales. The paradisiac waves illuminating against the light composes a perfect exposure for your pictures. Never a miss a shot with the single-storey house which is composed of stoney walls, still standing despite of being damaged by the typhoon.

Bakwitan Cave

After our breakfast, we rode a habal-habal to explore a cave. There are numerous caves in the island with a total of more than seventy caves for your eager soul. If you have two hours to spare and just for the sake of experience, check out the Bakwitan Cave. This cave got its name for being the evacuation center during the World War II. Now, being the main spelunking area for the tourists in the island, it offers an exploring of more than you can ask for.

We were briefed by our cave guide before starting our tour. He handed us three flashlights for a group of 9 people so we made sure to have a buddy system. The cave is divided into three stages. The first stage is just for exploring the whole cave, giving you the feel of being inside it. He gave us mini lectures about the different stalagmites and stalactites. He told us not to touch anything to preserve the system. If you don’t want to finish the three stages, you can decide to return back to the main entrance after the first stage. However, if you want to have a little adventure and decide to pursue, you have to carry on with the trail towards the exit because going back to your previous path can never be an option.

Stage two continued with crawling on a small opening. We had to duck and move forward for about a meter. We had to be careful not to rise up suddenly because we could get hit by the sharp stalactites suspending above. It was then followed by spelunking. We had to climb the cave to reach stage three. As long as you are following the guide’s instructions and being aware of where your left or your right foot goes then you’re good to go. As we reached the top, there was another path that we need to climb towards the exit. Stage three is a bit more complex since one wrong move and you’re gonna fall back to where you started in stage two. You have to make sure to get a good grip and to watch your every step. At long last, we saw a light and went up to about ten meters and reached the exit after the challenging spelunking.

Just when we thought that the challenge was done, the trail going down the mountain was definitely the most exciting and fearful way. Frankly, it was more challenging than spelunking. There were no railings to protect you and the path was made of huge sharp rocks. Just be careful with your every step making sure the rocks that you step on are stable because you can slide directly to the ground due to the steep path. After thirty minutes of descent, we reached the ground unharmed. We went back to the Hideaway Resort for breakfast.

Bantigue Island Sandbar

After checking in at our second resort, we went on hopping at the islands of Gigantes Sur. First on our list is the Bantigue Island. After a 15 minute boat ride, we set foot on the dazzling and fine sandbar of the island. It is very clean as there is no advancement in the island but only a few locals and the tourists who charter boats to visit this amazing place. The luminous sandbar extends to about 250 meters and at the edge lies a small village, a few trees and the rocky terrains lining the island. With its grainy but pearly white sand and its transparent sapphire water, it is without a doubt that Gigantes Island is hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With the scorching heat of the sun, take a dip and make the sierras on one end of the sandbar part of your photoshoot.

Cabugao Island

There are two Cabugao Islands: the Gamay and Dako. Sadly, we were only able to visit the Cabugao Gamay Island. What sets this beach apart from all the places I’ve been to is that its seafront is not composed of fine sand but with tiny and bleached pebbles. Its water is so surreal and with a touch of opacity, it can be so inviting that you want to get drenched in this unequalled paradise. However there can be immense waves as it faces an open sea. Upon docking, you are received with the unique coastline and huge rocks that are lined at the end of the beach. We couldn’t resist the charm of the surroundings so it took a little while for us to finish our photo op. In the middle of the island are coconut trees faultlessly placed to give you shade. The highlight of this island lies on its viewing deck situated at the top of the cliff, giving you the panoramic view of the island. You need to do a little trek to get to the peak. The path is still undeveloped and you must be careful as there are only ropes to get you secured on your trail. But this tiny difficulty can be paid off when you get to see the perfect scenery of the beach. The iconic view is what made Gigantes Island known. You can never complete your trip here without getting a selfie with this gorgeous background.

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

Located in Gigantes Sur, Tangke is a must see for the adventurers. Surrounded by cliffs made of limestones, this natural saltwater pool is illuminated by its crystal persian green waters. One can totally enjoy the lagoon especially during high tide. There were a lot of tourists visiting the tangke especially that it was a holiday. A total of almost 30 boats were lining up and the only way the tourists could come in and out were through the footpath made by bordering the boats in a single file. Reaching the entrance, the path into the water is steep and sharp because it is made of rugged limestones. Life vests are secured when bathing as it can go deep up to ten feet. We spent a lot of time bathing in this enchanting lagoon. It was dreamlike as one cannot imagine the beautiful facade of limestones encircling the Tangke. We were in a hurry to get back because it was 2 pm and we haven’t had our lunch yet. Instead of waiting for the long queue to get into our boat, we jumped and swam into the open sea, heading to our boat which was at the end of the line. It was very tiring and I felt like having cramps especially when I didn’t have a lifejacket with me. Thankfully, we were able to reach our boat safely and after a twenty minute ride, we arrived in the lone island of Gigantes Hideaway Resort to have our lunch.

Antonia Beach

Of all the places in Gigantes Island, this is definitely my favorite. There are no high end resorts or a beautiful fine white sand, but the sheer laid back vibe and unparalleled serenity are what made me fell in love with the scenery. It’s like you are transported into a different place. It was very lucky for us that we made it in perfect time where the sky is most beautiful in color and the sun is not burning as you get a great exposure for your “tumblr” photos. This site was not included in the tour fee and each person had to pay at least 75 pesos for the entrance and 40 pesos for the environmental fee but we arrived near sunset and thank God the collector was nowhere in sight so we got to enjoy this wonderland for free.

There are two sides of the beach. On the west side are the rugged terrains where the formed stones create parallel lines that make a unique texture. It is also where the boats dock. On the east is a barren edge facing the open sea. Unique stone formations also sit at opposite ends of the bar. There is also a small canteen in the island and most tourists find this a perfect spot to have lunch and some drinks.

We reached the end of our tour but our tour guide, Juni, introduced to us a place which is great for viewing sunsets. It was a port in the Gigantes Norte Island. It was amazingly clean and the turquoise waters were so inviting. The sand was so fine and white, one could not mistake it for a port. The guide pointed a small cave next to it but it was almost six in the evening and we had no more time to explore it.

After getting a sumptuous dinner and a good night sleep, we left this bewitching island the next day. Since we chartered a private boat, we decided to see Cabugao Gamay Island one last time. There were fewer people this time and we got to privately experience the whole sandbar.

Overall the charm of Gigantes Island is unparalleled. Making its buzz being in the list of top beaches in the Philippines has invited a lot of travellers for the recent years. Although I was expecting a fine and pristine beach like Boracay Island, this was nowhere like it because it was uniquely beautiful. This place is filled with adventures, non stop challenges and fun memories to share with friends.

How to get there: (travel time = 5-8 hours)

From Iloilo:
ride a bus or private van to Estancia or Carles
ride a tricycle to the port
public or private boat to Gigantes Island

From Bacolod:
two routes

head to Bacolod Pier
ride a ferry (RORO) to Dumangas Port
ride a bus or private van to Estancia or Carles
ride a tricycle to the port
public or private boat to Gigantes Island

head to Victorias Daan Banwa Port
ride a ferry bound to Culasi, Ajuy
ride a bus or private van to Estancia or Carles
ride a tricycle to the port
public or private boat to Gigantes Island

From other provinces or countries : fly to Iloilo International Airport

If you’re coming from Bacolod, I suggest you take the usual route which is via RORO Dumangas because they have trips for 24 hours. Leave early in the morning so that you can make it in time for the public boat schedule which only has one trip per day at 1pm.

If you want comfort, don’t take the Daan Banwa route as trips are delayed and leaving late at Estancia Port can be very dangerous because the waves can be unforgiving and there are no emergency flares in case of accidents.

Book a tour with the resorts. It is cheaper than a walk-in reservation and seeing the island by yourself.

Check your calendar to make sure that when you visit the Tangke, it is in high tide.

There is still no running water on the lone island of Gigantes Hideaway Resort, so if you prefer camping, you have to transfer to the other island, their main resort in Gigantes Norte to bathe.

Buy souvenirs at Gigantes Hideaway Resort Shop.

There are only selected areas having cellular signal. You have to go to the “mountain-ish” place and spend 30 pesos for the habal-habal just to make a call. The lone island of Gigantes Hideaway, peak of Antonia Beach and Jesa Beach Resort already have a signal.

Keep in mind that it is an adventure trip going to Gigantes Island. There are no luxury resorts and lounging on the beach is just optional. However, if you want to explore the whole island, there will be non stop trekking, all day sun bathing, hiking on steep terrains and swimming in an open sea. Be safe always.

I’ve been searching for the best beaches in Negros and I’ve definitely found my one true love. Just a short road trip from the capital of Bacolod City, the rich marine life of Sagay City is just an easy reach. Unlike any other beaches where its remoteness and virginity can only be experienced with the hustle of long travel time, this place has maintained its quality due to the strict rules implemented by its tourism and through the cooperation of the tourists to limit overcrowding and unmanaged waste disposal.

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

Sagay City has the largest marine reserve in the Philippines enveloping 32,000 hectares. With its main attraction, Carbin Reef, it has caught the attention of beach bummers craving for white sand and clear waters.

However, what has intrigued us is the unplugged attraction in Panal Reef. When the famous Carbin Reef reaches its maximum capacity, tourists are then directed to this amazing destination. In our case, our target area from the tourism office is this place. If ever you wish to visit the other islands as well, just inform the boatman and negotiate some additional fees.

After 40 minutes of travel, you can witness a long stretch of white sand bar reflecting the transparent and clean waters of Panal Reef. Even on low tide, the beach is submerged in water but only to a minimum level of about half inch. The only thing that protrudes is the fine stretch of white sandbar that is so thin, the waters in opposite ends meet. Its sandbar is similar to the Bantigue sandbar in Islas de Gigantes but with clearer waters and whiter sand. It is a coralline island so one can expect the sand not to be fine but to have little corals instead. It is with pure luck that we got to take a glimpse of this attraction on low tide because otherwise, everything is submerged and you can’t appreciate the beauty it has to offer.

DCIM105GOPRO

DCIM105GOPRO

DCIM105GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

My friends went for a swim as I wander around to take pictures because I had my period. There were plenty of sea creatures under water. It was just amazing to know that you can enjoy snorkeling and watch the colorful fish even when you’re just near the beach.

At the end of the white sand stretch, there is a watch tower with two floors wherein you can stay for the day. They charge at a minimum fee of only 300 pesos. One must be careful in going up to the tower because the surface of the stairs can be slippery. There are railings for your added security. On the first floor, there is a bench circling the area and there are comfort rooms and a small kitchen for the two watchmen. The topmost level is a wide area for your panoramic view of the island. There are also tables and chairs where you can eat in and enjoy the day.

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM127GOPRO

DCIM105GOPRO

We borrowed a one-eyed binocular from the watchmen and we spotted another island. It was so beautiful at long distance and upon negotiations with the boatmen, we had a good deal so we decided to check it out.

It was a twenty minute boat ride going to Maca Reef. But God, it was by far the best white sand bar I’ve seen in my province. I have found the Naked Island of Siargao in Negros. The bar extends to about 250 meters and curves on the edge forming a picturesque view of the island. The sand is finer and whiter than Panal and Carbin Reef but it is grainier than Naked Island in texture. The beach is surrounded with corals and other water living things that you can see against the clear water. The water level is very low and you have to go far from the beach to get a good swim.

Similar to the previous reef, there is a small tower at the end of the beach. There are no cottages in the island and you can enjoy the candor all to yourself. We had some sunset session before we bid goodbye to this stunning semblance.

Other Attractions:

Carbin Reef

This tongue-shaped, white sand island situated in the center of the largest marine reserve in the country has definitely garnered tourists. The beach has maintained its simplicity with only five cottages of makeshift wooden sticks. Each cottage is provided with a table and few chairs. What makes this beach special is its cleanliness and natural vibe. Tourists are only limited to 70 persons a day so the environment and crowd is controlled. The water is very glaring and blue and the sand is white with a touch of beige mixed with little coral rubbles. Snorkeling can also be enjoyed with a tour guide in the nearby waters.

Suyac Island

DCIM126GOPRO

DCIM126GOPRO

DCIM126GOPRO

DCIM126GOPRO

DCIM126GOPRO

DCIM126GOPRO

If you’re looking for a different experience, then head on to Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park. It’s very cheap and just adjacent to Carbin Reef. Plus, you get to see the oldest and biggest sonneratia alba mangrove in Negros. If you’re from the jump off point then it’s just an estimate of about 20 minutes travel time. There is a mini beach area from the docking point and you have to walk for at least 5 minutes to reach the entrance area wherein you need to register. We had a little tour as we walked around the mangroves on their wooden path. Near the boundary are the cottages wherein during the summer the water level becomes high and the mangroves are submerged in water. Thus, a mini dipping pool is naturally formed in the middle of the cottages. This place is best to visit during high tide.

How to get there:

Travel time : approximately 3 hours

From Bacolod: private car or bus bound to Sagay

from terminal ride a yellow trike bound to Old Sagay Port

drop off at Sagay Tourism Office

From other countries and provinces : flights bound to Bacolod- Silay Airport

If you’re thinking of checking out other places aside from the overrated beaches this summer, then Mag-Aso Falls is your perfect destination. Located in Sitio Dug-anon, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City; it is only a two-hour car ride from Bacolod City.

Get drenched in the powder blue water coming from the unsoiled and enchanting place of Mag-Aso Falls. This body of water can be likened to Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor where it allures the travellers of its bewildering aura.

As you arrive in the resort, you are welcomed with this stony backdrop in the entrance.

Inside is a manmade pool filled with fresh water originating from the falls where you can enjoy swimming next to the cottages. This is ideal for children to swim since the water in the falls can be deep and dangerous for them if left unattended.

When getting into the falls, you will pass by the nipa huts where you can spend the night here.

If you want security, then you can reserve the room for overnight only at a minimum fee.

On the edge of the path there is a staircase and you have to descend to about 150 steps going into the falls.

On the ground, there lies a viewing deck where you can take pictures as the featured falls become your perfect background.

Behind the viewing deck, there is a mini pond of powder blue water wherein you can swim or climb on the huge log connecting the two sides of the area.

Walking into the falls, you can feel the cool summer breeze as the temperature gently drops. Just by getting your picture next to the falls, you get little tingles as the frosty mist touches your skin and add glitters to your eyes as you watch the breathtaking scrim.

Mag-Aso falls will never fail to amaze you. With its near location and cheap expense, you get so much more than you can ask for. So take a dip and enjoy another beautiful place in Negros.

How to get there:

From Bacolod City :
private car

head to Kabankalan City and follow the Mabinay Route

on the left side, you can see the sign going to Mag-Aso Falls

drive to about 5 kilometers and your reach the entrance

commute (estimate total 500 pesos each)

catch a bus bound to Kabankalan City from Bacolod South Terminal

ride a tricycle and head to Mercado

ride a jeepney or bus heading to Mabinay Route

ride a tricycle going from the highway to the falls

From other provinces and countries : fly to Bacolod-Silay Airport, Philippines

The smallest province in the Visayas region, Siquijor, has stimulated the curiosity of most people. The idea of magic, witchcraft, and love potions either progressed the tourism industry of the island or give hesitations for the adventure seekers. No matter how scary visiting this enchanting site, nevertheless; we still had the guts to see this magical place last summer without any regrets.

I really prepared myself before heading off to the island. As I’m a little bit of OC, I did a lot of checking if the myths were really true and how to avoid certain spells against black magic just for prevention purposes. I interviewed people if certain “aswangs” really live there and a friend told me that they already transferred in Bantayan Island and almost all of those who were practising witchcraft usually reside in remote areas and reserved mountains. I admit I was in paranoia that I even brought with me a lot of ginger and incense just to drive away negative spirits. My father kept on threatening me that witches usually put a spell on you even just by staring at you just to make a profit as they are the ones who can only undo it. But all these hearsay and legends are all fiction. Siquijor is one of the most unique places I’ve been to and it has amazed a lot of travellers with its otherworldly setting. Well, for the record, I’ve never met an “aswang” or “mangkukulam” there but only the many humble and receiving people of Siquijor that I’ve come to love.

We finished our trip for a total of two days. We caught the bus from Bacolod to Dumaguete and left about 12:00 am. Thankfully, there weren’t a lot of stops so we arrived at the port around 4:30 am and rode the ferry. Even when we were half awake during the whole trip, the dolphins kept us excited as they swam next to our ferry while on our way to the island. The tempting and pristine blue waters of Siquijor welcomed us after an hour of travel. There were a lot of tricycles lining up outside the port offering tours of the whole island. After making a great deal with the driver, we first checked in with our resort, Villa Marmarine, near the pier and started on our coastal tour.

Our first stop was the century old church of St. Francis of Assisi. It is made up of white coral stones. This facade has stood since 1783, receiving the tourists, as it is situated near the pier with its large sign in front of the church that says ‘Welcome to Siquijor’.

We made our way to the Capilay Spring Park, San Juan. It is a natural spring but it has been renovated into a manmade pool. You can cool off with its natural and fresh water and even take a small climb at Mama Mary’s grotto next to the area.

We interviewed our driver about the best resorts in Siquijor and he brought us to one which is Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort in San Juan. The resort has an entrance fee for the visitors of 250 pesos each which is consumable for our food. It a very luxurious feel and the villas are situated near the pool and beach. If you want the ultimate relaxation then this is definitely the best place to splurge in.

Instead of white sand, San Juan beach has a stony texture which is comparable to Dauin beaches. As a traveler, you have to catch sight of this unique characteristic of the beach. Moreover, its clarity of the waters still remain throughout this coralline island.

There are only three century old creepiest Balete trees in the Philippines. One can be found in Lazi which is said to be four hundred years old. According to folklore, balete trees are believed to be home of fairies, elves, giants, demon horses and other mystical creatures. Natural spring water flows from the tree which is a little enchanting since people don’t know where the water originates from. They have constructed a mini pool of spring water where you can enjoy a fish spa for a minimum donation. You can also buy your souvenirs where the stands are lined along the entrance.

One of the oldest convents in the Philippines, Lazi Convent, is in Siquijor. Situated next to it is a parish church of San Isidro Labrador. It is considered a national cultural treasure and UNESCO world heritage site candidate as one of the Baroque churches in the country.

Making our way further to the circumferential road of the island is the Cambugahay Falls. You have to descend to about 200 steps on your way to the falls. Welcoming you from this exhausting decline is the unbelievable and decadent backdrop. Of all the places in Siquijor, this is my most favorite. The water is powder blue, not transparent, but very soothing. Cambugahay is a multi-level cascading falls and I’ve only climbed up to the 3rd level where you can find mini waterfalls. On the bottom, there is a large rope tied to a huge tree where you can jump to the water to about 10 feet just like Tarzan. It’s not that scary and the water is not too deep but just make sure to get the perfect timing and release your hands when you jump because a friend of mine got a fracture because he wasn’t able to let go.

The best beaches in Siquijor can be seen in Salagdoong. On your way, you will pass through a gorgeous path of colorful trees. It’s like you’re in the Beautiful Creatures movie. When you reach the resort, you can witness the beautiful waves of Salagdoong with its deep blue waters. The sand is not very fine and white but it is made up of little pebbles and it’s quite tan in color for the island is a marine reserve. The beach is very clean and there are only a few tourists so the place maintains its humility and preserved charm. In the center of the resort lies the spot for cliff jumping. There are two levels for diving: ten and twenty feet. The slide was still under construction when we went there. Upon reaching the top, the scenery can be overlooked and you can witness the most instagrammed picture of the beach where it is enclosed in wonderful terrain. We had our late lunch at the cafeteria and we even met a famous instagrammer, ninjarod with his girlfriend.

We had a chance to see the Tulapos marine sanctuary, mangroves, and the oldest surviving house in the island, Cang-Isok, a century old home built in the 1800s in the town of Enrique Villanueva. We passed by Larena so that my friend could withdraw from his ATM. We were in a hurry to go back so that we could still view the amazing sunset.

As we got ready to eat, my friend went to the “manghihilot” because of the pain and the suspected fracture he earned from jumping at the falls. We had dinner and drank sake by the beach and enjoyed our free homemade icecream. The next morning, we took pictures at the beach and had a quick morning dip. Thankfully, we were able to ride the 9am ferry trip just in time to catch the aircon bus at 12pm bound for Bacolod. It was time to kiss goodbye to this amazing wordliness here in this charming island of Siquijor.

How to get there:

From Bacolod to Dumaguete: Ceres bus (Aircon) 12 am and 12pm daily

From other provinces and countries: Manila,Cebu, Davao, Iloilo International Airport – Dumaguete Airport

You can have a day tour at Siquijor. When you’re in Dumaguete and have at least 6 hours to spare, then you can already check this charming island.

If you want to explore the whole island like trekking and diving or have a coastal tour, you can spend overnight at any of the numerous resorts.

There are two kinds of tours: coastal and mountain tours. If you are staying for 3 days 2 nights, you can have the option to take the mountain tour and trek at Bandilaan National Park which is the peak of the island. You can also swing by Butterfly Sanctuary and visit the caves namely: Cantabon, Dacanay, Eugenia, Tagmanocan and Baljo.

There are two ports in the island: Siquijor Pier and Larena Port. Both have trips to and from Dumaguete.

There are no cellular signal there except near the ports.

ATMs are also available at Larena.

According to the locals, the best beach in the island is at the Coco Grove Resort.

Don’t forget to buy souvenirs near the Siquijor Pier. They are selling charms, body ointments and other witchcraft necessities. Love potions are for sale for only 250 pesos.

The first time I ever set my eyes on the perfect imagery of Bantayan Island, I could not ask for more. It is the perfect epitome of my dream beach and I keep on going back here everytime I get the chance. With its fine and powdery white sand likened to White Beach in Boracay, and its crystal clear and unpolluted blue waters, there is no denying that Cebu is very blessed to have one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Due to its remoteness for being one of the isolated towns of the northern part of Cebu, Bantayan Island is a little exhausting for some travellers because there is no easy way like having direct flights going there and you have to commute from the city proper taking up to six hours travel. Sure it will all be worth it once you take a glimpse of this picturesque heaven. It’s very lucky for me since there are scheduled boat trips directly to Bantayan Island from Cadiz City in Negros so it’s one hell of a shortcut for this paradise with only a three hour travel from my hometown.

Bantayan Island owns unexplainable white sand with the consistency of that of a flour. It is rich with aquamarine waters and when it reflects the warming sunlight, the water becomes so luminous that it’s like you’re swimming in the pool with nothing but water and a flat sandy surface. This paradise conveys a sense of serenity and lavish relaxation. Even the world renowned beaches like Kauai Island could not be compared with the pristine waters of this jewel as it has maintained its naturalness and purity. Moreover, there are only a few tourists and resorts lined up at the beach and this has exempted the island from overdevelopment.

Activities:

Beach Bumming
It is undeniable how the beach of Bantayan Island is one of the best I’ve been to. When you just want to get a tan or relax with a drink in your hand at Sta. Fe Beach, then it’s the perfect place to laze around and think happy thoughts.

Swim at Ogtong Cave
Ogtong Cave can be found in Ogtong Cave Resort. It is a small cave which extends to about fifty meters filled with freshwater. With its crystal clear aqua waters, it is definitely soothing for the intense warmth this summer. One must be a guest of Ogtong Cave Resort or its sister company, Sta. Fe Beach Club to swim in this beautiful wonder of Bantayan. The resort itself is the most luxurious in the island but for a hefty price, it’s definitely worth it once you get to swim in the mystical cave. Natural rocks surround the resort and it is lined with white sand and picture worthy scrim.

Hop at Virgin Island
Picture the perfect beach of Bantayan Island. Then imagine a finer and whiter sand and transparent waters that glitter as the sun touches the calming waves of the sea. There are nipa huts at the beach front to give you shade and enjoy the alluring landscape. Rocky formations can be found at the end of the white beach that make this terrain a wonderful backdrop for the name of Virgin Island that welcomes the boat upon docking. Sumptuous lunch is served on the island at a very worthy price. With their seafood fresh and abundant, tourists can definitely enjoy eating there.

So much has changed at Virgin Island with my recent visit there. Before, it was all barren and just an island and some huts. Now, tourists flock them and several boats line up on the shore. There are numerous tables and rooms you can spend the night in. Or you can bring a tent to indulge in nature. Irregardless of the development, although I am deeply saddened, it still remains a beauty.

Discover Sto. Nino CaveLittle do people know that there is another cave at Bantayan Island worth seeing. When I saw a picture of the cave from a friend, I found a way to revisit this gorgeous island to check this out for myself. Found at Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort, Sto. Nino Cave is named as that since a statue of the beloved Sto. Nino was spotted inside upon its discovery. It is a larger cave compared to Ogtong Cave. Similarly, it is filled with freshwater that one can lavishly swim in. With its gorgeous lighting, it gives the impression of yellow to orange luminescence that one can stare in awe. If you choose a day tour in this resort, the cave is open until ten in the evening. Moreover, the resort offers an overnight stay, fish spa, swimming pool, mini zoo and garden. You will never get bored. Just a 40 minute drive from Sta. Fe Beach, there is definitely no hustle.

Processed with VSCO with c8 preset

Processed with VSCO with c7 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with c8 preset

Move In to Kota Beach Resort

Have you watched the famous movie Camp Sawi? Well, they shot almost all of their scenes here in this resort. After having seen the most exquisite beach and unpolluted water, I don’t wonder why the producers picked this as a prime location. With two beautiful sandbars within your reach at the beachfront, you are definitely in for some natural rehabilitation. If you’re not planning to check in, you can pay 50 pesos as entrance fee just to see and swim on the beach.

How to go there:

From Bacolod: go to CADIZ City port (1 hour)
take a ferry to Bantayan Island at 9:00am daily (2 hours)

From Cebu: take a bus from North Bus Terminal near SM city
bus leaves every 45 minutes at 150 pesos (3 hours)
head to Hagnaya Wharf in San Remigio (30 mins)
take a ferry to Sta. Fe Port (1 hour)

They say the best memories always happen with bad decisions but there is no such thing as regret when you enjoy it with your partner in crime. The most spontaneous trip that we’ve done so far was deciding to go to Apo Island. The first time I went there, I never got to enjoy the underwater world since I was still a child. When I discovered how the island made some great reviews from its visitors for being a popular dive and snorkeling site then it has been on our travel list to visit this awe-inspiring scenery. We went to Dumaguete for official business but we finished earlier so we opted to have a sidetrip to this place. Thankfully, my friend brought her GoPro cam with her since I just dropped my phone in the toilet and had nothing to use to cherish the memories. With little money that we had, we took a risk of pursuing this travel as cheap as possible.

“Apo” came from our dialect which means grandchild. The island is situated in the southeastern part of Negros. Named as one of the top diving sites of the world, this marine reserve should definitely be at the top of your travel list this summer. It has become a habitat of more than 650 fish species and 400 kinds of corals. The richness of the marine life is indeed incomparable.

How to get there:

From Manila : flight to Dumaguete

From Cebu: take a ferry from Liloan Port to Dumaguete

From Bacolod City : Ceres Bus to Dumaguete

From any coastal point in Negros: Ceres Bus bound for Zamboanguita

From Dumaguete:

Jeep Route to Zamboanguita

Ceres Bus to Bayawan

Private Car or Rent a Van

Make sure you drop off at Malatapay Wednesday Market at Zamboanguita which is around 45 minutes travel from Dumaguete. From the highway, walk or drive to the end of the market road which is around 50 meters long, then you can find the boat post.

If you want to have luxury in the island then you can stay in this resort. With its rooms situated at the beachfront, you can definitely relax easily especially with their exclusive view of the island. If you are not a guest of this resort, you have to pay 50 pesos for the entrance fee if you choose to take pictures with the amazing backdrop of Apo Island.

There are only 2 resorts in the island and if you want cheaper rates then you can opt to stay here. With only 2000 pesos per room good for 2 people, you get your breakfast, lunch, dinner for free. Imagine how cheap is that.

Activities

Scuba Diving

I’ve always wanted to try scuba diving just to have another exciting experience being underwater. Sadly, we haven’t had enough cash and time since the trip was unplanned. Hopefully, I get to visit this wonderful place again. I always thought scuba diving was very costly because rates can be at least 3500 pesos per dive and up to 15000 pesos for the lessons and I was shocked to see how cheap it was for the Mario’s Scuba Diving and Homestay to offer 1100 pesos per dive inclusive of everything. With a good price like this, there is no excuse not to try.

This offers a preview of the abounding marine resources this place exhibit. There are a total of eight reefs lining the island namely: Coconut, Largahan, Balay, The Chapel, Katipanan, Kan Oran, Mamsa, Olo Reefs and the Apo Island Marine Sanctuary. We made our way to the Apo Island Beach Resort where we started our route for snorkeling in the Largahan Reef. You have to be a good swimmer to go snorkeling since the water current can be very strong and part of the reef waters can be deep. It took us about an hour and a half to complete our route. At the end of our path, we witnessed the bubbles from the sandy bottom the volcanic island was making. It was very tiring but the experience was very worth it.

Swimming with Pawikans

After we had lunch at Liberty Lodge Resort, we went to take a dip with the sea turtles. These lovely creatures can be found near the beach and you don’t have to swim across the deepest sea to find them. If you want to take a picture with them, you have to be speedy since they don’t like to be near humans. You have to make sure they don’t see you or it will be a hard time for you to chase them to get a decent “selfie” based on my experience. Swimming with the endangered species is definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me.

Travel tips:

If you want to go snorkeling, make sure you have a tour guide because it is not safe to be alone in the shore and if you’re not familiar with the route.

Apo Island can be enjoyed as a day tour if you have a limited time.

For cheaper rates, contact the resorts directly in the island. Resorts in the mainland tend to overprice but if you want the island tour as package without any trouble going there then they also provide a good deal.

When you’re looking for a short break from the busy city of Cebu, there lies a group of islands of Camotes situated at the eastern part of the the province. Known as the “lost horizon of the south”, Camotes Island is one of the undiscovered jewels in Visayas.

Named as one of the best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region, Cebu prides itself as a ground for international tourism and with its laid-back lifestyle and humble vibe, Camotes Islands give you an evolving summer experience.

Camotes Islands can be likened to Siquijor in Negros and Bantayan Island in Cebu. With its transparent crystal waters and impeccable powdery sand, tourists will be allured with its scenic and panoramic views. Although its sand is not pure white but with a tinge of gray; its texture is what keeps the beach unique. Its sand is one of the finest I’ve set foot on and its cleanliness is what the sightseers regard for. What sets it apart from the other beaches in Cebu is that it has maintained its natural and modest energy with a great involvement from the locals. Without pretense, it is definitely a place for luxurious relaxation.

It has come to my surprise that Siargao is hailed as one of the best surfing places in the entire world, landing on the number eight spot. Best known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, locals and international tourists alike are definitely allured with this paradise. It is the most gifted with its monstrous waves as it faces the most vast body of water, the Pacific Ocean. Surfer or not, it may be irresistible to waive on one of the most treasured secrets in Asia.

We visited Siargao around late August but the ideal months to come here is around October to April when the waves are most consistent and originating on the north eastern swell.With this, its waves can barrel up to 7 feet on the average and can take you to a long distance of 100 to 200 meters.However, you can revel in surfing all year round especially if you just want to give this sport a try. Surfing competitions already start around September so you can expect a lot of people coming in to General Luna which is home to the world renowned surfing spot in Cloud Nine.If you’re really hooked into surfing, there are available surfing schools in the area to enhance your potentials.

Resorts are lined up around the beaches in General Luna.They offer surfboard rentals and provide surfing instructors for newbies at a very cheap price.In our case, we checked in at Ocean 101 Cloud 9 Beach Resort which is only a five minute walking distance to the Boardwalk.While scouting for the best place to stay here, make sure to find the nearest to Boardwalk which is a tourist spot and a perfect place for your totally instagram worthy photo op.It is made of a wooden path where it will be easier for you to access the surfing spot of Cloud 9 or just enjoy watching the surfers tackle the unforgivable and powerful waters.

The best time to learn surfing is early in the morning as it gets already crowded in the middle of the day especially if you head to Siargao just in sync with surfing competitions. We had a call time with our surfing instructors around five am but we were so exhausted from the previous day and ended up waking up later around six instead. Thankfully, when we arrived at the Boardwalk, there were only a few people so we enjoyed a few selfies in the area. We found a spot at the beach to practice the stances and the proper position on the surfboard. Our instructors also gave us tips on the easy way to paddle and ride the waves. After a few minutes, we were ready to conquer the famous waves of Siargao. We initially planned on doing it for just an hour but we were so obsessed and were able to extend for another thirty minutes. For a newbie, an hour or two can already be exhausting especially if most of the time you need to paddle. As our surfing instructor said, you can never be a good surfer if you don’t make an effort to paddle. Surfing totally gives you the adrenaline rush that will make you come back for more.

There are different surf spots around Siargao Island that can cater surfers depending on experience.I’m not very familiar with the places so if you want to try these breaks, you can definitely ask help from the locals to point it out to you.

Beginners:

Llorente

Experienced:

Cloud 9

G1

Rainbows Left

Rock Island

Both:

Barrio

Boulevard

Cemeteries

Dako Island

Doot Poktoy

Jacking Horse

Stimpy’s

Suicides

Sulingan Beach

Tips:

Rent some booties.The beach has plenty of corals.It can be painful when you’re on barefoot.

If you have a GoPro camera, they offer surfboards with mounts.Just make sure you have a string to secure your camera into the mount.With the powerful waves, the camera can surely be washed away.

There are no ATM machines in General Luna.You need to head to Dapa to make bank transactions and sometimes there are no available cash in the machine.Make sure to bring enough cash to sustain your trip.Only a few foreign currencies are accepted at the resorts.

Other resorts offer cheaper rates for surfing lessons if you’re in groups.Just ask Google for help.

I just have a thing for beaches and island hopping to these three beaches of Naked, Dako and Guyam Island added excitement to my decadent trip in Siargao.There is just something about the aquamarine waters and powdery white sand that I couldn’t get enough.The sound of crashing waves and the relaxing warmth of the sun give tingles down to my spine and you know that you’re in love with summer forever.And you, too, would fall in love with Siargao.

On our second day, we went on a tour to Bucas Grande Islands in the humble town of Socorro, Surigao del Norte and on our way back to the mainland of Siargao, we passed by these three equally gorgeous islands situated near General Luna which is hailed as the surfing spot in Siargao.

Naked Island is named as it is because there is nothing you can find there but white sand and clear blue waters.There are no trees to give you shade or even cottages built to host tourists.The rawness of the beach gives simplicity and quality appreciation to the eye.The bareness of the island however must not be overlooked because its uniqueness is comparable to the best beaches in the Philippines.If you have visited Boracay Island in Aklan and Virgin Island near Bantayan, Cebu, then Naked Island is likely similar to these.If you have walked barefoot in the said beaches especially in Station 1 in Boracay where the sand is most fine and powdery then imagine wandering into finer and whiter sands of Naked Island.The beach remains to be untouched and swimming in its transparent waters is refreshing and ultimately picture worthy.

Next stop was Dako Island.Dako came from the word “daku” which means big as it is the biggest of the three islands.Our boat docked into the white beach.We arrived there almost sunset and it was low tide, half of the beach was almost elevated and you had to climb against the exquisite pearly sands to get to their cottages made of nipa.There are also available “bahay kubos” or stilt houses for tourists to spend overnight in.The rest of the island is filled with coconut tress, probably about 80% of the area and that just give you the best natural shade from the scorching heat of the sun.The sand in Dako Island is the most beautiful among the three in my own opinion alongside with its clearest waters making it the most ideal beach to swim.An added attraction to the island is that you can practice surfing here.The waves are calmer and much smaller compared to the surfbreaks of Quicksilver and Cloud 9 in General Luna.If you’re a newbie, then you can definitely try to learn surfing here.Even just practicing the right stances and balance is already an advantage when you try to conquer the unforgivable waves of Cloud 9.

Guyam is the smallest among the three.But size doesn’t really matter when you get to seek this wonderful islet.The setting provides the usual island vibe but what makes it different is the stony formations that are covered with mosses giving it a foamy texture.During low tide, natural pools form with these corals and stony structures that create a naturally rustic version of Magpupungko Pools.Guyam Island is highly similar to Dako Island wherein it also has cottages that visitors can lounge in.In addition, corals are also widespread along the reefs for marine explorers.

Tips:

Go on snorkeling along the reefs of Guyam and Dako Island.Enjoy the lovely views of the corals, seaweeds, seasnakes, etc.

Do sunbathe on Naked Island.Dare to go topless.It’s not called Naked Island for no reason.

Stay overnight at Dako Island and lounge in the white sands.

Practice surfing at Dako Island.

Explore the whole island if time permits.

The three islands are bereft of electricity so make sure to bring your powerbank with you.